Should I be worried about a rebuild of the transmission soon?

I know it sounds high, but consider the We98 platform is still in production 99- The factory initial vehicle setup is what we are to take care of. Improvement is what the transmission shops for example is thier forte to make their money. When you like the vehicle which most if not all reading this, you come to press for improvements that can be done within safety, operation, & longevity, etc is my focus. I enjoy some of the what had been done and some been pita. Some things learned are found nowhere else, from my experience. Reap the rewards of trial, failure, & success.
 
SteveOwens said:
I know it sounds high, but consider the We98 platform is still in production 99- The factory initial vehicle setup is what we are to take care of. Improvement is what the transmission shops for example is thier forte to make their money. When you like the vehicle which most if not all reading this, you come to press for improvements that can be done within safety, operation, & longevity, etc is my focus. I enjoy some of the what had been done and some been pita. Some things learned are found nowhere else, from my experience. Reap the rewards of trial, failure, & success.
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Yes, I understand that but I am getting all the upgrades and stuff much cheaper than $3,500. Saying no need to overpay for something that can be done for a cheaper price. And them warranties that promise the world 90% of the time are complete BS when you do actually have a problem. Heck, even one of the higher-priced places in town still was cheaper than $3,500.
 
Its been three years & 90k since the replacement was installed. The old case was trash, my fault due to lack of 20k fluid/filter service. Did have the cooler hoses replaced & with vinyl sleeved after the second rebuild failed due a puncture around 8-9 years old. Once in awhile you find some have integrity beyond all experiences before. I don't everything on the old car but I can trust those in Anniston to help me.

I talked MKZ and taxi cab owner in the snowy Canada, it was the best vehicle he ever had. There isn't alot of old equipment rolling there.
 
After calling around when my son's Audi CVT transmission went out I will never think $3500 is high again.
 
jerryg2112 said:
After calling around when my son's Audi CVT transmission went out I will never think $3500 is high again.
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It's an Audi and a CVT... never can be good with them 2 combos for the price of a rebuilt I would imagine!
 
DaleGrib said:
It's an Audi and a CVT... never can be good with them 2 combos for the price of a rebuilt I would imagine!
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That's the truth. Got lucky and called a wrecker who happened to have the right version of the trans. He also asked me who was installing it and did it for me too.
As problematic as our LS's can be at least they are not Audi's.
 
My old 2003 V8 sport was sold at 132K with the original transmission. Still shifted like a dream too! BUT I was on multiple LS forums and had the valve body replaced around 50K right before the factory warranty ran out. Transmission fluid changed at that time and never again.

If not for the forums I would not have even noticed the symptoms and I used the "correct" wording to Lincoln that matched the TSB. Otherwise they would have screwed around changing solenoids and other cheaper maybe fixes!

Still miss my old LS!
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clubairth said:
My old 2003 V8 sport was sold at 132K with the original transmission. Still shifted like a dream too! BUT I was on multiple LS forums and had the valve body replaced around 50K right before the factory warranty ran out. Transmission fluid changed at that time and never again.

If not for the forums I would not have even noticed the symptoms and I used the "correct" wording to Lincoln that matched the TSB. Otherwise they would have screwed around changing solenoids and other cheaper maybe fixes!

Still miss my old LS!
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I wish mine was that simple but there was a crapload of metal in my pan or I might have risked a few hundred more on a valve body replacement before committing to a rebuild. If I would have been the first owner of this LS I know it would have never happened as I try to take care of stuff like it's the last car I will ever own. I might go overboard on my maintenance and such in general! But, last time I checked fluids are cheaper than motors, transmissions, and rear differentials!
 
Are there any quality control measures like operational tests before installation?
One thing i found out with the servos that the shift time lag free after insulating the complete exhaust system. The exhaust pipes after the cats are routed under and each side of the aluminum transmission case. I suspect the servo bores were distorted causing the servo pistons to drag some. I had the daily initial shift into forward drive a time lag before fully engaging indicative of impact of the rear differential. Not anymore.
 
Here is some pics from the transmission tear down that the shop sent me. Also the fluid picture shows new fluid on the left and the old on the right. Also keep in mind I had the fluid changed in the transmission less than a month before this pic was just taken. They also said the servo had started to crack and some rubber seals on the piston are rock hard where they need to be soft.
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Thanks for the background info on the transmission teardown. I learned a 20k fluid change interval is good. I would for peace of mind, insulate the complete exhaust system at least to strap clamps if not to the muffler trumpets. Mega work but well worth it. Make sure they ( trans shop ) flush out the transmission cooler between the radiator and condenser to rid the particles and worn oil ( warranty purposes ). Might want to replace the trans cooler hoses though they are 15-17 years old with a vinyl hose protector ( cheap insurance ).
 
SteveOwens said:
Thanks for the background info on the transmission teardown. I learned a 20k fluid change interval is good. I would for peace of mind, insulate the complete exhaust system at least to strap clamps if not to the muffler trumpets. Mega work but well worth it. Make sure they ( trans shop ) flush out the transmission cooler between the radiator and condenser to rid the particles and worn oil ( warranty purposes ). Might want to replace the trans cooler hoses though they are 15-17 years old with a vinyl hose protector ( cheap insurance ).
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I am having the exhaust system changed on my LS after the transmission is fixed. Was gonna look at also replacing the intake and then having someone tune it so the car will function correctly after. I will make sure they insulate that good though on anything changed. Changing it as much as I can Legally anyway! I want a little more sound and power. I don't want it to be so loud that it is annoying! But I do want a little growl!
 
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What i found after the insulation install, the sound was quieter and more instantaneous acceleration. After the engine change, your are welcome ( only two on this thread ) to drive it. I found the loud sound by hot exhaust gases mixing with the much cooler ambient air makes the impact loud sound. Lincoln cars, i my opinion shound be quiet except when on a full on acceleration. I have a Bassini X-pipe 2.5" 99-04 4.6l Cobras installed. I am in process of putting a modified Z350 Bassini X-pipe reduced from 2.5" to 2.25" Tig work 100% for better flow and more low end torque. Planning on purchasing a TIG setup just to weld the ss pipe. I can't find tig work in the local shops so here some more resources to make this happen.
 
Lincoln 140MP multi process welder for around $800. Does Mig, Tig and Stick up to 140 amps. Good for light work and small stuff. Tig torch and foot pedal are extra $$$. 3/32" 7018 stick is max. Spool gun is available for it too... to be able to Mig aluminum.

Home Depot also sells same machine as the LE31MP. Special order only.
 
YWC. I've been happy with mine so far. I have managed to burn 1/8" rod and weld 1/4" steel... but you have to go slow and steady... and keep the arc length short, or it will go out.
 
Just picked up my LS today and so far so good! But honestly could not get down on it hard today as sadly the drivers front wheel bearing started giving up the ghost so having to keep it parked till I replace both front wheel hub assemblies.
 
Try a scringe of gear oil 20-30 ml or 1 oz in where the abs sensor hole. Should quiet down.
 
SteveOwens said:
Try a scringe of gear oil 20-30 ml or 1 oz in where the abs sensor hole. Should quiet down.
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I am just gonna leave it parked till the parts are replaced next week. Being I dropped so much money into it now I really don't want to chance anything bad happening like if it seized up. And I would say that could happen as it sounds horrible right now. I had the radio almost wide open and could still hear it so I went straight home and parked her. I suspect this car sitting so much in its life did not help these parts out as much as I thought before.
 
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